How would you describe your previous travel experience? John Vito: My previous travel experience has been for either business or relaxation. The type of adventures we will encounter on this Race will be the opportunity of a lifetime. Jill: My previous travel experience involves traveling to Europe on multiple occasions. During one trip I backpacked with a friend for six weeks and traveled to 14 different cities. On another trip I traveled throughout Europe for three weeks with my sister.
What is the most stressful aspect of traveling? John Vito: I feel that the most stressful aspect of traveling is the possibility of being lost in a foreign place. Jill: Getting lost in unknown parts of the world.
What is the most important item in your backpack, and why? John Vito: I feel the most important item in my backpack is a compass. We are hoping this will allow us to rely less on luck. Jill: The most important item is not in my backpack, it is on my wrist. A few months after September 11th a charity organization sent family members of victims from the WTC silver bracelets with their loved one's name engraved on it. I've been wearing it ever since receiving it, and it is just one more way I feel close to my brother every day.
Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE? John Vito: THE AMAZING RACE is an exciting opportunity to travel the world and participate in adventures I would otherwise never experience. To experience this opportunity with Jill is the greatest reward. Jill: I applied to the first season of THE AMAZING RACE with my brother, but never heard back. After losing him 9/11 in the WTC, I wanted to do the Race on his behalf and with his best friend. I know the reason JV and I have gotten this far is because we have my brother on our side, making this all possible.
Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like? John Vito: Jill & I traveled to Costa Rica this past March. It was our first vacation together and was the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. We hiked to a beautiful waterfall, went canopying across the forest top and spent hours relaxing by the pool. Jill: JV and I traveled to Costa Rica in March. It was our first vacation and also the first time we were able to experience many adventurous act ivies together. We cannot wait to see what is in store for us throughout the entire Race.
What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE? John Vito: My biggest fear would be a bad decision that would cause us to be eliminated. We are so excited to travel the world, and would be extremely disappointed if we didn't make it to the finish line. Jill: Losing.
What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team? John Vito: I am generally an organized person in both my actions and thoughts. In a race such as this it can be positive and negative. Being organized will help us to develop a concise plan and avoid careless mistakes. It may also waste valuable time. Jill: I am a quick thinker, can read situations clearly and I am very spontaneous. I feel at times I can be impatient, but hopefully this will turn out to be a strength during the Race.
What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team? John Vito: Jill is the smartest and most energetic person I know. This combination of brains and energy, along with her spontaneity, will lead us to the finish line. Jill: JV is full of strengths. Along with his physical strength, mentally he is extremely intelligent, very organized, responsible and full of patience. I do not think he brings any weaknesses to our Team.
What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)? John Vito: Family and friends. Jill: My family and friends.
What languages do you speak? John Vito: I speak a limited amount of Spanish. I studied Spanish in high school and practiced the language on my vacation to Spanish-speaking countries. Jill: I understand and speak a limited amount of Italian.
What destination are you hoping to visit? John Vito: The finish line …1st. Jill: I am hoping to visit the Greek Islands and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
What country do you feel best prepared for? John Vito: I don't feel best prepared for any specific country. I am prepared to take this Race one leg at a time and will give it my all. Jill: Mentally, I am prepared for all countries; however, having traveled to various cities in Italy, I feel I am the best prepared for that country.
